Ditto Colleen! Happy Easter to all who have been following "Best Lent Ever"! I am so blessed to have been introduced to this through "Best Advent Ever" from Matthew. God Bless you all!

I am sixty-five and it seems I have had moments of hope, but not a "Great Hope" in my life, until today. For today, I finally realized that I am a son of God, and so I should behave as such. Right now, I am looking forward to my 4th degree Exemplification as a Knight of Columbus and I have realized I am becoming a "knight of the realm" of heaven. Such has been my Moment of Great Hope.

After reading a lot of these comments, it's clear we have really enjoyed Matthew's daily posts and they will be missed! I feel like it has helped me a lot to be closer to God,but still lots of steps to take! :) Happy Easter to all, and God bless you.

Matthew is truly gifted and in my opinion, a modern day Appostle. It can only be thru the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit that such words of wisdom can flow. Thank God for Mathew and all like him.

Live one moment at a time. It sounds impossible, but it's certainly somethng to strive for.

This Best Lent Ever series has truly made MY Lent the best ever. I'm sad to see it end.

I try to live Christianity wholeheartedly by giving over the God all my imperfections and ask for opportunities to improve on my faults. This series has challenged me to grow in ways which will make me think and grow both spiritually and physically in my interactions with others.

I have enjoyed the Best Lent Ever series! I made time at night to watch the videos, pray and reflect, and read the comments.
I decided to be a better servant of the Lord and looked in my church bulletin for ways to do that. I found the Loaves and Fishes under parish groups.
Today, I have emailed the person in charge for more information. I am hoping with my part-time job that I can fit it in. It is on the 3rd Monday of every month.
Please pray for me that I continue to grow and live the best version of myself!
I wish you all a Happy Easter on Sunday!

I returned from The Way Of The Cross today and couldn't get something off my mind that was said at the seventh station. This Way Of The Cross comes from the ACTS movement. The narrator said, "...By now, His disciples are beside themselves screaming in their minds, put an end to this Jesus, bring the fires of God down on those who cause this injustice! But Jesus held this tension. That was not His way. He is making a statement for all times : He will
'take away the sin of the world 'by absorbing it, holding it, and refusing to return it. He holds, carries, purifies, and transforms evil, instead of passing it on. " This statement has had a profound effect on me. I know I must do what Jesus did when evil is directed at me. How many times have we, in our lives had a bad day and brought it home with us to spread the misery to our spouses and/or children? Only by God's grace will I be able to hold evil so Jesus can carry it for me, purify it, and transform it. I ask Him to never permit me to pass it on.

I'd like to add something about trying to discern God's plan for us. Earlier this year, I was presented with an unexpected career opportunity that required some significant thought. The Dynamic Catholic message during those days mentioned the importance of courage, in order to fulfill God's plan for us. I truly believe that courage is perhaps the most important quality, since we need it in order to do what is right. That message at that time helped me come to the belief that this opportunity would set me on a path that God wants me to follow. So let's keep our eyes and ears open. God wants us to find the way and that way is where we will find peace. Thanks, Dynamic Catholic. Joyous Easter to all.

Such a Blessed Lenten Season adding this to my daily routine. Thank you to Mathew and all at Dynamic Catholic for this possibility!😊

Have I ever tried to live Christianity wholeheartedly?

Honestly, I do not know. I'd be lying if I said I did, because in this moment of clarity, living Christianity wholeheartedly, is a new concept to me.

What does it take for me to shift my brain cells to live Christianity wholeheartedly? The first thing that comes to mind is to get out of my way, and more importantly, get out of God's way. Once those two barriers are gone, I imagine it would be much easier to attempt this challenge.

But, am I ever fully free from these two, self-imposed, barriers? I do not think so, because the evil one grabs hold of me, in the slightest of weak moments, and pulls me away from being a wholehearted Christian. This is a harsh reality.

Satan is the king of immediacy. God is about second chances. That's where the evil one is powerless over God. Focus on God, and my chances increase significantly.

Lord Jesus, help me live my life in a way that pleases you, especially on this Holiest of holy days, Good Friday. Amen.

Amen Colleen, I cant begin to thank you Matthew enough for this Best Lent Ever. It has been the most stirring
insightfull and thought provoking Lent I have had and I have been a Catholic for 63 year (a convert). This has been THE BEST LENT EVER for me and we have one more day to go)!!! Thank you Matthew, and thank you to your OUTSTANDING TEAM!
Pam Memmer
pammemmer@gmail.com

Every day I have looked forward to what Matthew and the Dynamic Catholic team would share will all of us who signed up for this Lenten journey. Thank you for bringing me closer to Jesus and showing me how to live my faith one moment at a time. Happy Easter and God bless!

I'd like to thank all the dynamic Catholic team as well as our pastor fr Michael Edwards for making rediscover Jesus available to all in our parish. The book and the short videos made it easy to check in giving us a topic to concentrate on each day. This lent has been extra meaningful to me. Thank you so much! I am now BOLD !!!

As a mother of 3 young children I have had a hard time hearing God…or maybe it was listening to God. Always to busy, to tired, to distracted to take the time and have some silent time for God. Sure I thanked Him when I woke up and said a quick little prayer before bed but nothing like I have done these last 39 days!!!! I am amazed how my life has changed in 39 days. I am happier than I have ever been. Seeing God EVERYWHERE, and in PEOPLE! and I am not afraid to talk about God. I never wanted to be the weirdo always talking about Jesus, now i don’t feel weird about it! I am finding joy in little things, and finding that strong feeling of FAITH again!!! Thanks you Dynamic Catholic! And God Bless

Amen

My story is that I have spent far too many of my waking hours thus far being a Republican, a Democrat, an American, a corporation-climber, a don't-rock-the-boater, and mainly a self-centered-sinner compared to my time spent as a Christian. This site and other self-searching I've been doing clearly shows me, again, that I need to completely surrender to God and let Him guide me. Nothing I've achieved on my own has brought me lasting happiness, but whenever I've truly tried to follow Jesus, I've found simple joy in my life. Time for me to stop being stupid or crazy or both.

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto!! I am one --- of one of those 100s.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!

Yes, I am trying to live Christianity with my whole heart as a person of possibility. May all of us who have lived these 40 days with passion and purpose be the yeast to ignite many more to the possibilities of their faith in God. Many blessings on you for your Good Friday moments of your lives that you have shared. May your Easter Sunday be all the more joyful.

I am trying to live Christianity wholeheartedly. The Dynamic Catholic has helped me tremendously. Each day that I practice the lesson learned, I feel closer to Jesus. One Holy moment at a time.
It has been an awesome Lenten season and I pray that I can continue to live up to it.
My sincere thanks to Mathew Kelly and Dynamic Catholic, and to all of you who have contributed such inspiring posts.
A blessed Easter to all.

I apologize I should stay on point of discussion....I have so many opportunities to share my faith with others . My neighbors were cradle Catholics ...this year our parish gave out the 1st Matthew Kelly book the Dynamic Catholic and I gave one to my neighbor whose married daughter is goin through RCIA classes before Easter! I try to remember my responsibility as a Catholic not just to share spiritual books but to try to be really neighborly this is not always easy but a good way to witness how my faith is a good way to live! Tannus

Mike
I took part in The Best Advent Ever and also The Best Lent Ever mailings and it has truly made a huge difference in how much I have grown spiritually in the past several months. I have probably grown more in the last year than I have in my 56 years of life. Thanks to Matthew and all of the members of the Dynamic Catholic team for what you have done for so many of us out there. You have truly made a difference in my spiritual life and reading the reflections I know you have touched many others.

My brothers and sisters in Christ we are so blessed to be CATHOLIC we have a goldmine ! I thank God every day for all the benefits of being truly Catholic...especially for Matthew Kelly's help leading us forward through this journey to Jesus Christ our Savior! We will always have our Lord but it helps to know we are one big family and to continue supporting each other to reach our heavenly goal...God bless all of you ! Happy Easter to everyone GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME. ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD,
Just saw the movie "Miracles from Heaven"". Good movie. God bless love and prayers Tannus

I want to share my story. So many of us take everyday for granted. I with my husband and son were travelling from Toronto to Ottawa and we were having freezing rain. so we knew it would take us a long time to get home. We said our prayers before leaving which we always do whether a long journey or a short one. We said the consecration to our Lady and an Our Father. On the highway we were overtaking a truck and we were not fast. But all of a sudden we realized we were slipping and we went off the fast lane to the middle lane just in front of the huge truck and later we made a complete turn on the 3rd lane and we turned again and went and settled in the side walk with our front tires stuck in the slushy muck. All the while when this was happening I kept calling Jesus and asking Jesus to save us. HE took the wheels for sure and we were placed in the side walk from the other side of the road. This is nothing but a miracle. we were so shocked that none of us could say a word but we kept thanking God. Nothing happened to us and nothing happened to our car and we were back on the road. I thanked the Lord for giving us time as I was not prepared and it opened my eyes that we got to be prepared right now as there is no tomorrow. I am so moved that I will now try to be ready to face the Lord. God gave us the opportunity and HE showed us that we are never alone. Besides I always say the Psalm 91 everyday before leaving for work. Everyone should recite the Psalm 91 and it is a most beautiful prayer ever.Thank You Jesus and Praise You Jesus.

Thank you to Matthew Kelly and his team. I am 63 years old and a cradle Catholic. This has been the most rewarding Lent that I can remember. Our parish provided everyone with a Dynamic Catholic Best Lent Ever book which got me started with the online version as well. So when we we are not at home, I had the online version. I was always in touch. I have purchased several books by Matthew Kelly this Lent. Including the free copy of Rediscovering Catholisim. I feel so invigorated and more in touch with God. I look forward to continuing my journey. I am grateful for my parish getting me started with this program.

Just got back from confession, where I had a face-to-face encounter with my pastor...a surprise, as all of the parishes I had previously belonged to did NOT offer confession on Good Friday...and I had always been very reticent about face-to-face reconciliation. I think it is directly because of Father's decision to purchase and distribute "Rediscovering Jesus" and encouraging us to sign up for these Dynamic Catholic "Best Lent Ever" reflections that I was able to be enthusiastic about going to this particular sacrament today and to be prepared to dig deeper than I have in examining my conscience before. Just yesterday I had an opportunity for a "holy moment" and because I let it slip by, I was depressed and ashamed of myself. Unburdening myself today and being able to tell Father exactly what happened and why, because of these reflections, I was bringing the issue to confession was an enormous blessing! I have BLE to thank for that. This Lent has been particularly spiritually fulfilling because of these reflections and the insights so many of you have brought to this forum! May God bless you all with a wonderful and exciting Easter, and may we all "meet" again in Paradise, if not on some future forum such as this one!

I wanted to share a true story that our priest shared with us yesterday during his homily. Something amazing happened at our church a few weeks ago. A homeless woman came in to the church during
Mass. She sat down and participated. Our priest said she prayed
beautifully, raising her hands up to God. After Mass, our priest had to
leave quickly for some other engagement, and so he was told later by
others that after Mass, this lady went to the baptismal font, took off
her shoes and socks, and washed her feet in the font. Then she washed
her socks. When the priest told us this, you could hear the gasps in the
congregation. I'm sure many, like I, were shocked and somewhat appalled
at what this lady had done. Our priest had felt the same, but then was
hit with an amazing realization: "Jesus is still washing people's feet."
Wow. The whole church was silent in realization. It was so powerful.

Awesome! It was holy water this time , too ! Love it !

Wow! This reminds me of a church in California in the early 70's when the "hippies" started frequenting the to church. The congregation was upset and appalled at their dirty bare feet ruining the carpet. The pastor said, "Well then, we'll tear up the carpet! Better to sweep out the dirt then keep from coming to Christ"
Thanks for sharing!

Good advice!

Good Friday to me has always been a bit of a conflict--not in the traditional sense, but Philosophically. There is no denying Christ's suffering and dying. That suffering and death was caused by each and every sin of MINE--some committed or omitted even though I knew what it would cause. That becomes pretty selfish and egotistical to try to mask the suffering and death of Jesus for a moment of pleasure or comfort. Our Blessed Mother must have also suffered horribly to watch her Son being tortured, mocked, and killed--especially if she thought about some of the people who weren't the least bit grateful for His sacrifice.

Yet that very same Good Friday is a supreme cause for JOY! If Christ hadn't come into the world, taught us, suffered and died for us, the Gates of Heaven would have remained closed and we could NEVER enter, no matter how good and holy a life we led. That's even more reason to celebrate His passion and death.

It's also wonderful that today is the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25th)--the traditional celebration will be on April 4th (a Monday), after the Octave of Easter. Isn't it fitting to reflect on Christ's entry into this world, which is usually celebrated today, because the purpose for His coming was also today--Good Friday, the day of our redemption. That humble Immaculate Virgin, who was preserved from all sin before the world began, consented to being the Mother of the Savior, and was with Him through His passion and death.

If we look at what God has done over time with His creation, is there any reason to think or doubt what He might do with us? How many times I've stood in His way, perhaps getting what is called "tunnel vision" (a very restricted view), and seen only what I thought about instead of asking God what HE thinks needs to be done. I've caught myself several times telling God I'm not trying to be irreverent when I ask Him if He got a laugh out of something silly I'd just done, or saying that HE had a pretty good idea. Those types of remarks are meant as one friend to another rather than to be disrespectful of Who God really is. Wouldn't we do the same or something similar if a friend or relative were with us? I think so. I can just hear, "Did you like that?" after tripping over something or making a silly remark.

Too true Peter. We had a neighbor who was Jewish and one year, called my wife and asked her why we call this day Good Friday, when our savior was put to death. A few years back, our associate pastor gave a great homily at Good Friday services, talking about how if the resurrection had never occurred, we would all be lost. But we all know what happened on Easter Sunday and because of Christ overcoming the grave and rising to new life, we are also restored to new life when we pass from this earth. And that, my friends, is why we call this Good Friday. Peace & Love!!

I have always tried to be a person of possibility, but it usually seems like I have either tunnel vision or binocular vision. On those rare occasions that I actually am a person of possibility, I never seem to realize it myself, but it is pointed out to me. It feels so good you would think I would strive harder to replicate that feeling. I was convinced long ago that inspiration or epiphanies come directly from God Himself. When life seems to be drudging right along,it seems that is when I open myself to guidance and direction. This discussion suggests that I should not wait so long. As I continue to pray and reread Rediscover Jesus, I will do so with an entirely different focus than before. and when I feel that focus starting to slip, I will reread it again
Thanks to Matthew and the staff of DC, and all of you who have participated in this wonderful program. Happy Easter to all.
God Bless.

I have loved this series and I am so sorry it is going to end. I look forward to each and every Dynamic day. Thank you Matthew, and the team. This has been a true inspiration in my life.

While watching Samantha's video, I started to think about all the times I've gotten angry at slow drivers, or getting cut off, and how I now take that as a sign from God to slow down and not be so impatient. Just then, Samantha says her line about just that. This lenten journey has been so very rewarding and I am so grateful to the men and women at Dynamic Catholic for putting this together. As many of you have already suggested, I hope they can find a way to keep this program going forward. We need these daily reminders not only during Lent and Advent. God bless you all and have a truly Happy Eater.

frankie

Doug , your humor has really tickled me at times and your insight moved me to tears . Humor has been a part of my MO for a long time . My Dad was funny and always made us laugh.I had a thought a second ago I thought you might enjoy . Did you ever think about the word ,"devil" ? It's just evil with a "duh" in front of it . Enjoy !

Thank you Matthew and your team and all who shared. But I want to especially thank my Lord for drawing me here every morning to hear what I needed to hear and to listen to Matthew share with us how it works in his life as he is becoming a Dynamic Carholic! I want and expect my Holy Week to be a powerful one because of this invitation to Rediscover Jesus!!
Happy Easter to everyon

Truly been blessed by this Lent w/Matthew & the Dynamic Catholic Crew. My mantra is: I can't. HE can. I think I will let HIM! Total surrender to God is my goal. I'm not there yet, but each day I say my mantra & I get a wee bit closer. Good Friday is the perfect example of my mantra in action. Praise God for swallowing up all sin & ugliness upon the cross and enveloping it in LOVE.

I like the "holy moment" made me reflect and think differently...thanks

It's not easy to live Christianity wholeheartedly. However when I'm about to say or do something unkind to someone, I say to myself, "That is a child of God!" It stops me in my tracks!

My younger brother Patrick (now 48 years old) has Downs Syndrome. Nobody teaches me more than my brother about Christ's love and forgiveness from the cross. We have an older brother within a couple of miles from us who pays no attention to us. He stepped out of our lives some years ago & never returned my last attempt at a phone call. If older brother walked into a room we were in Patrick would squeal so loud you'd hear him for miles and then run to him to hug him while I would be using all my self-control to not strangle him for his absenteeism (I do pray for older brother who has also left the church). It is said that Patrick & people like him have a "disability". No they don't. We do. If we would all love like Patrick the world would be that different place! Wholehearted Christianity!

I have a 30yr old son with Autism. I echo your words. Blessings on this Friday of sorrow... but Sunday's coming! :)

AMEN to you both ! The "labeled disabled" give the purest form of love I have ever seen . Blessings to all of you .

WOW, what a good question, is it even possible? The answer is YES!!! Just look at a parent with several small children, or worse yet several teenagers in the home!!!!, many times over you take it one moment at a time , or even one second at a time. Our first impulse is to yell or scream, but do children really learn that way - NO!!! Taking the time to discuss and show them what they are doing is wrong or incorrect is much more effective and conducive to learning. Do we like to be yelled at or admonished in our woek, NO. Taking the time, to be shown the errors of our ways, is what Jesus has shown to us, His love for us is not fraught with screams or yelling, but with live and compassion.....this is a lesson we all should strive to live. Take the time whether it be second by second , moment by moment, minute by minute, and try so hard to implement it into our daily lives.

Thank you, Matthew and the whole Dynamic Catholic team, for showing me what Jesus wants and needs from me. Such a.wonderful serues, I thank you wholeheartedly!!! ❤

Samantha's comments today are me all over. Impatient, quick-tempered (especially when someone does something I dislike while I am driving my car). I'm a work in progress for sure. Ever since becoming a full-time caretaker for my wife, it has been a back & forth struggle for me. I think back to when my mom became a full-time caretaker for her mom (my grandmother) who had Alzheimer's Disease. Back then (1980's), there wasn't as much known about Alzheimer's but my mom was interviewed by our newspaper. I remember her being quoted as saying that "she was a prisoner in her own home and hadn't done anything wrong". She also was quoted as saying that she prayed to God every day for the strength to care for her mother. Those words have haunted me for a long time because I now have those same exact thoughts. I have become a prisoner in my home so to speak but committed no crime. And then I think about Jesus hanging on the cross, being taunted by the one criminal on his one side but the other criminal rebuking him saying, "Don't you fear God? You received the same sentence he did. Ours, however, is only right, because we are getting what we deserve for what we did; but he has done no wrong." Luke 23:41. I pray for strength each day to do this job I have been called to with grace and love.

A good friend of mine once told me that I was "doing God's work" by taking care of my wife. I hope I am doing a good enough job but there are times when I lose my temper or get upset about stuff that I really shouldn't. And it's then that I stop and contemplate the above question, "Am I living Christianity wholeheartedly"?

I hope all of you have a blessed Good Friday and a joyous Happy Easter celebration this weekend. Peace & love to all!!

Thank you Samantha!! I have to admit that when I read this chapter and listened to Matthew, I was a bit overwhelmed! How do I live my faith "wholeheartedly", continuously! But again, the simple advice given makes all things possible!! One moment at a time! After the other day and the holy moments discussion, I see those moments much more apparently and I am thrilled to see that I am actually doing more of what I believe God calls me to do.
As many of you have stated so eloquently, this has been the Best Lent Ever, thanks to the book, the videos, and all of the comments you all have shared. I don't share too often, but I felt I needed to respond to all of these wonderful posts throughout the series. Thanks to everyone for your valuable advice and insights! You have all been a true blessing! May you be blessed with a joyous and beautiful Easter!!

God Bless us all this Good Friday! I will miss this forum when it ends, I still have a long path to travel, but I have really put more thought into my relationship with Christ then ever before. A lot of my thoughts were painful. I am not sure if this is my Best Lent Ever! I feel this might be my first Lent Ever! Thank You! Matt and your team for sharing this with me. You have opened my heart and soul to a better understanding of Jesus and myself! I am one of those people that have read some self help books to try and understand what is wrong with me? How can I change? Waiting for something to click inside that will make me satisfied with the life I am living here and now! I have saved all these lessons to my computer, there are many I could not answer and I am not sure if I answered them honestly. I take a longer time then most to understand the person God wants me to be, I think I have been wondering in the dessert for quite some time, but I have Hope now and for that I Thank You and all the commenters on this sight! God Bless !

Why does it have to end......?....I see a POSSIBILITY here !!!
If everyone emails the staff at Dynamic Catholic, and ask IF its possible for the daily reflection to continue, perhaps a reflection on that day's Mass Gospel reading...wonderful things will happen!
We CAN be people of possibility !.........

I have so enjoyed these videos and it has made this the best Lent ever. I am sad because it's almost over. I will be looking for more videos throughout the year from Matthew. Does that happen at all? I would love to get a daily message like this 365 days.